Lian Li showcases its HydrOC CB-01 CPU waterblock

Case maker Lian Li makes its debut in the liquid cooling market with the HydrOC CB-01, a soon-to-be-released CPU waterblock. The block is made from copper and features a nickel and tin-cobalt plating, a 60x60mm cold plate area, a thinly cut microchannel area, and 5mm LED mounting. It supports most modern AMD and Intel sockets. Pricing is unknown.

Lian-Li Industrial Co. Ltd announces the CB-01 CPU Water Block. Manufactured by Lian Li in partnership with cooling experts from Overclockers, UK, a world-record overclocking team, this is Lian Li's first water block ever. With their passion for quality materials, the CB-01 is made to the same exacting standards as Lian Li's outstanding cases. The cold plate has a heart of solid copper in a nickel coating and a final layer of tin-cobalt for extra cooling, durability, and corrosion resistance. The top is a translucent acrylic block that visibly guides the cooling waters through the microchannels. The simple yet sturdy mounting fits virtually all modern and past motherboard sockets securely. For a bit of flare, there are holes pre-drilled for 5mm LED lights.

Ultra Thin Microchannels for Targeted Cooling and Water Flow
The CB-01 uses a standard G1/4” thread so most DIY water cooling components will easily fit the inlet and outlet ports. The inlet is deliberately offset against the outlet to allow the coolest water to enter the block in direct contact with the middle of the hottest CPU core. It then flows across the other cores and vents on the opposite side. The microchannels have an area of 32.2mm by 27.3mm but because they are contoured with precision grooves, they provide a greater overall surface area. While not the largest, these dimensions were deliberately chosen to strike a balance between high restriction and high flow for the best cooling for its size. Lian Li used their precision manufacturing to ensure the microchannels are as thin as possible for maximum performance.

Easy-to-Install on Any Motherboard
The CB-01 fits any modern Intel socket, including 2011/1366/1155/1156 and 775. For AMD, it supports AM2+/AM3/AM3+/FM1/FM2 motherboards. The Intel plate comes pre-installed on the CB-01 but the AMD bracket, if needed, is easy to swap in. There are back plates for both AMD and Intel CPUs and a universal, dense foam spacer to protect the back of the motherboard. The CB-01 is installed simply by screwing in 4 standoffs then screwing spring-loaded nuts down onto the long bolts. Like all CPU coolers, Thermal Interface Material (TIM) must be used between the cold plate and the CPU plate, applied according to the thermal paste manufacturer's guidelines.

The Cool Factor
There are many reasons to water cool a PC: better overclocking performance, quieter operation, fewer fans, or saving space. Even when hooked up to fittings and tubes, the CB-01 takes less space than a stock cooler. Its efficiency allows the radiator fans to be pushed to their peak for overclocking, or slowed to near-silence without losing normal performance. It can do all that and look good doing it – albeit lacking Lian Li's hallmark brushed aluminum, the CB-01 still looks fantastic.